On this day in music history: November 17, 1962 - "Big Girls Don't Cry" by The Four Seasons hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks, also topping the R&B singles chart for three weeks on the same date. Written by Bob Crewe and Bob Gaudio, it is the second consecutive chart-topping single for the New Jersey-based quartet fronted by singer Frankie Valli. The song's title is inspired by a line in the 1955 western Tennessee's Partner in which the actor John Payne slaps actress Rhonda Fleming in the face, and she replies, "Big girls don't cry." Like its predecessor "Sherry," it will storm the charts quickly. Entering the Hot 100 at #66 on October 20, 1962, it will zoom to the top of the chart just four weeks later. Twenty five years after its original release, the song will also be heard in the film and featured on the soundtrack to Dirty Dancing. "Big Girls Don't Cry" is certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.

On this day in music history: November 17, 1971 - Live-Evil, the 38th album by Miles Davis, is released. Produced by Teo Macero, it is recorded at The Cellar Door in Washington DC on December 19, 1970, and at Columbia Studio B from February - June 1970. The half live/half in-studio recorded double LP set consists of eight extended electric based jams featuring Davis supported by musicians such as Herbie Hancock, Chick Corea, John McLaughlin, Michael Henderson, Jack DeJohnette, Billy Cobham, Wayne Shorter, Dave Holland, Airto Moreira, and Keith Jarrett. Originally conceived as a continuation of the landmark Bitches Brew, it will differ greatly from its predecessor by incorporating more rock and funk elements. It will be well received upon its release and is considered a pioneering jazz/funk recording, as well as one of the cornerstones of Davis's "Electric Period." The album's distinctive cover art was created by artist Mati Klarwein, best known for cover art on Bitches Brew and Santana's Abraxas. Davis will tell Klarwein that he wants something representing "life" on the front cover, and something representing "evil" on the back. The front will feature a painting of a pregnant African woman, while the back features a grotesque looking amphibian like creature in a powered wig clutching its belly. The latter painting is inspired by a picture that the artist sees of infamous FBI director J. Edgar Hoover on the cover of Time Magazine. "Live-Evil" will peak at number 125 on the Billboard Top 200 and number four on the Jazz chart.

Born on this day: July 23, 1961 - Musician and main songwriter for Depeche Mode, Martin L. Gore (born Martin Lee Gore in Dagenham, Essex, UK). Happy 51st Birthday, Martin!!!

On this day in music history: July 23, 1971 - Every Good Boy Deserves Favour, the seventh album by The Moody Blues is released. Produced by Tony Clarke, it is recorded at Wessex Studios in London from November 1970, January through March 1971. The progressive rock bands' seventh release takes its title from the student mnemonic from the notes on the treble clef of the scale. It will be their most successful and highest charting album to date, spinning off the hit single "The Story In Your Eyes" (#23 Pop). Every Good Boy Deserves Favour will peak at #2 on the Billboard Top 200.

On this day in music history: July 23, 1977 - "Looks Like We Made It" by Barry Manilow hits #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for one week, also topping the Adult Contemporary chart for three weeks on June 4th. Written by Richard Kerr and Will Jennings, it is issued as the third single from This One's For You. The often misinterpreted lyrics tell the story of a couple (post break-up) that have found happy and fulfilling relationships with other people, providing an ironic twist to the song's title. "Looks Like We Made It" will become Manilow's third chart-topping single and million seller.